FALL FROM HEIGHT LEADS TO FINE

As the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET monitors the latest developments in the construction sector, particularly regarding worker health and safety, sustainability and equality. We would like to share the following news release from the HSE about a worker who was injured in a fall from height, leading to a fine for the contractor who was judged responsible.

Wayne McKnight (trading as RJE Construction) has been fined for safety breaches after a 17-year-old worker fell from a mezzanine floor to the ground below.

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard that, on 28th February 2019, the worker and two others were building the mezzanine floor at a site  in Neepsend Lane, Sheffield. The injured person stepped on a loose board and fell 2.8 metres to the ground below, sustaining cuts and bruises.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that safety nets had not been put in place before boarding commenced. No other fall from height protection was present to prevent or mitigate falls through the mezzanine floor.

Wayne McKnight (trading as RJE Construction) Park Crescent, Sunning Dale, Ascot Berkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2015. Mr McKnight has been fined £500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,300

After the hearing, HSE inspector Sarah Robinson commented: “Falls from height often result in life-changing or fatal injuries, which thankfully did not eventuate here. In most cases, these incidents are needless and could be prevented by properly planning the work to ensure that effective preventative and protective measures are in place.

“This incident could have easily been prevented if the company had installed safety nets prior to work starting on the mezzanine.”

Image: Elliott Brown (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ell-r-brown/4365577023). Colmore Gate - Construction Site - Site Safety.

Read more news here.

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